Even More June EPs and Singles: Walcot, Timmy Sean, Brian Jay Cline, Geoff Palmer, Mom, Ex-Norwegian, Big Star

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While the band Walcot was formed in Chicago, they moved to Charlotte, NC. and released their debut Songs For the Disenfranchised. The catchy single “Dreamin’ Away” is joined by some equally good songs; “Another Man,” and the laid-back gem “It Feels Alright.” The songs are so skillfully done, I expect great things in the future for them. With the legend Paul McCartney hitting age 80 this month, our friend Timmy Sean covers the Wings classic faithfully. While it shares the same title as a Bond movie, Western rocker Brian Jay Cline always comes up with something uniquely good, and here it is with “Never Say Never.” Geoff Palmer (The Connection) dusted off his 2010 debut album, originally under the name “Geoff Useless” – fans will enjoy this one! The Brits known simply as Mom released a pair of singles, and I really like “Scary Mary,” and it’s a FREEBIE. Enjoy the tunes!






REISSUES OF THE MONTH

The debut album of Ex-Norwegian was re-mastered and re-released. If you missed my review, it was posted on Virgin.com before it was rudely deleted. But take my word for it… “a terrific album that delivers superior melodies along with adventurous arrangements,”  check out “Something Unreal” to get a taste of this classic.

Did you know that Big Star is now on Bandcamp? Know your musical history, bro. This is one of the most influential rock bands ever and of course a seminal power-pop band.

Pop Co-op and Buzz Clic Adventure

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Pop Co-Op

Pop Co-Op “Suspension”

The quartet of Steve Stoeckel (Spongetones), Bruce Gordon, Stacy Carson, and Joel Tinnel continue the experiment known as Pop Co-Op. The flowing psych-pop of the opening title track “Suspension” is almost like a “loosen-up” session, and the single “I Just Love to Watch Her Dance” takes hold, with a delicate opening, and then launches into the fast-paced verses. The jangle and harmonies are lovely on “Air Heart” and euro-rhythmic “Out My Window” are early highlights.

The band tries a few different approaches to prevent predictability, and sometimes it doesn’t quite work (“Run and Hide”). But more often, the band hits the right notes, and the inventive “Unquestionably I-95,” Why Didn’t We?” and “Always In The Past” all channel the bandmembers frustrations with regrets and lost opportunities. The music succeeds on many levels and doesn’t always rely on those McCartney-like musings of age (“The Odd One.”) Overall, highly recommended.

Amazon | Kool Kat Musik


Buzz Clic Adventure with Phil Seymour

Buzz Clic Adventure with Phil Seymour “California”

Buzz Clic (aka  Elmer Charles Brandt Jr.) was a friend of the late great Phil Seymour (Dwight Twilley Band) and in 1991 the duo had a self-released album that remained a little-heard rarity. A few years later, Seymour died of cancer and this album was eventually released on Smog Veil Records, but again it disappeared. Thanks to the archival label Wizzard In Vinyl, the album is back with several bonus tracks.

Buzz adds his punk instrumentation to an overblown 90’s hair metal style on the opener “Lonely One,” and thankfully over the next several tracks more melodic tunes like “Sunsets In Blue” and “Baby Baby Baby” appear. Seymour seems to be having fun on the classic “Tallahassee Lassie” but most of the tracks are very average sounding or worse. The bonus tracks aren’t much better, even with Twilley guesting on “Don’t Lead Me On.”  Recommended for Seymour/Twilley completists only.

Amazon | Wizzard In Vinyl

The 1957 Tail-Fin Fiasco and Dave Scarbrough

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The 1957 Tail-Fin Fiasco

The 1957 Tail-Fin Fiasco “Don’t Go Anywhere”

It’s way too lazy to simply say that Essex, UK musicians David Myers and Malcolm Moore are a Steely Dan cover band that’s outgrown their main influence. But The 1957 Tail-Fin Fiasco has that ’70s sophisticated, distinctive sound, and they drive that car along many roads here.

Starting the bouncy rocker “Reno’s Electric Stairs” it’s a catchy gem that adds a touch of jazzy organ behind the guitars. “Here All Week” is an impressive mantra that describes a transition from Miami to Vegas. The band takes a left turn into They Might Be Giants territory with the witty “J is for Genius.” Not a bit of filler and its unpredictable melodies (“Horses & Courses”) are matched with smooth Steely-style lounge production (“Best Bitters.”) The quirky arrangements and cheeky lyrics are similar to XTC or David Bowie. Originally a download only in 2021, this release is now on CD at Kool Kat Musik. Highly Recommended.

Kool Kat Musik | Amazon

Dave Scarbrough

Dave Scarbrough “Happy Ever After”

Newcomer from Sioux Falls, South Dakota Dave Scarbrough knows his power pop. His debut Happy Ever After hits the sweet spot right away on the rocker “Catherine.” He’s a power-pop fan with influences from The Raspberries and Cheap Trick, to The Cars and Squeeze. And collecting these gems is a true labor of love for the genre. But what Dave does is make these songs work, “Take My Hand” is a brilliant rocker, “Wachet Auf” has great melodic chord shifts and his vocal is both strong and sincere. The title track is just as strong, with a sticky rhythm, and builds the narrative carefully with layered strings full of emotion.

“As Far As I Know” bounces along with confidence similar to Elvis Costello, the album’s first half is so strong, that the ballad “The Coming Good” is when we coast a bit — but not for long.  The second half picks up with “Runaround” and the jangling “Hilary” and doesn’t let up. This is an album that needs to be heard and savored. Makes my top ten list for 2022, and the best debut I’ve heard this year so far. Don’t pass it by.

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June Singles, EPs and Freebies: Andrew Stonehome, The Bishop’s Daredevil Stunt Club, Martha, Bill Sammon, Rebel Rousers, and She & Him

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June is here and it’s gonna be hot! We open with a new single from Andrew Stonehome (we reviewed his last single in October) and it’s awesome! The Bishop’s Daredevil Stunt Club drops another single from its upcoming LP, and it’s got a sweaty rocker vibe, so turn up the volume on that. Durham, UK band Martha blows the doors off with the Weezer-like brilliance of “Please Don’t Take Me Back.” We need to calm down a bit after that with Omaha’s Bill Sammon. His laid-back “Story Songs” EP is a Western pop gem describing his youthful days. My faves here are the jangling “There Goes Another One” and “Silver Star.” And like last month, Rum Bar Records sampler is another freebie that has the best of their line-up. My favorite Miss Georgia Peach tune opens it up with “Jackson,” and speaking of covers She & Him (Zooey Deschanel and Matt Ward) beautifully do The Beach Boys’ “Darlin’.” Enjoy!






Seth Swirsky and The Mike Bell Cartell

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Seth Swirsky

Seth Swirsky “Songs From The Green Couch”

Seth Swirsky (The Red Button) is back after an extended absence, with a sketchbook of songs that describe both his moods and meanderings. “Sunny Day” opens this collection heavily influenced by late ’60s psych-pop, loaded with sweet guitar flourishes. Seth’s Beatlesque tendencies return with “I Don’t Wanna Lose You,” a solid single with a catchy chorus. Hearing “Cashmere Sweaters” is more baroque chamber pop, similar to The Left Banke, and the follow-up “Whatever Happened To…” adds a little sunshine pop with its layered harmonies.

Sometimes the influences feel a bit too thick, like on “Every Time” a Brian Wilson styled ode to the “green couch” as a security blanket. But most of the time, Seth takes an influence and turns it into something extraordinary, as on “Making It Up As We Go Along” a sweet Bee Gees styled ballad. Not everything hits the mark, but enough does — the most insightful being “New Painting,” a simple day-in-the-life that radiates hooks and happiness. The ballad “American Bar” is another terrific tune that dovetails perfectly into the opening track. Highly Recommended.

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The Mike Bell Cartell

The Mike Bell Cartell “The Cartell & I”

From Helsinki, Sweden comes the Mike Bell Cartell. The band accurately gives us a love letter to 1960s garage rock and pop. The band consists of Helsinki music veterans: Miikka Siira aka Mike Bell (Mike Bell & The Belltones), Pekka Laine (The Hypnomen), Ville Särmä (John’s Children), Samuel Abaijón (The Valkyrians), and Aapee Heinola (Hard Action). It starts with the fuzz guitar and perfect echoing vocals of “(I Can’t Live up to Your) Hallucinations” and fans of retro rock will be hooked immediately.

The jangling “Wait!” is part Hollies, part Byrds, and “Million Years” recalls The Animals. Also, check out “Shadow’s Gone” and “The Storm is Coming.” It’s all solid songwriting, skilled musicianship, and unabashed fun that will have you dancing like Austin Powers. Timeless music that’s highly recommended. It’s groovy, baby!

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